Key Takeaways
- Spain beat Croatia 2-1 to extend their unbeaten run to 42 matches.
- Harry Kane scored twice for England in a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic.
- Kane equalled Peter Shilton’s national appearance record with his 125th cap.
Spain secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Nations League, maintaining their impressive unbeaten streak of 42 matches. The match, played in Split, saw Spain’s Mikel Merino score twice, including a crucial equaliser and the match-winner.
In the other League A3 match, England cruised to a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice and setting up the third goal. This victory came on the night Kane equalled Peter Shilton’s national appearance record with his 125th cap.
The match between Spain and Croatia was a rollercoaster, with Croatia taking the lead through Ivan Perisic’s header in the 17th minute. However, Spain’s substitute Merino equalised in the 61st minute, and completed the comeback 10 minutes later, ensuring a 2-1 win.
Croatia’s hopes of a strong performance were derailed when Perisic was sent off for a second yellow card in the 79th minute, reducing them to 10 men. Spain’s victory secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals, with Spain topping the group with 12 points.
England’s victory over the Czech Republic was a testament to their form, with Thomas Tuchel praising his team’s performance. The match was played at Wembley Stadium, with England dominating through the entire game. Tuchel highlighted the team’s fluidity and their ability to create and convert opportunities.
England’s historic night was marked by Kane’s double, with his first goal coming just before the break after a long ball from Elliot Anderson to Morgan Rogers. The second goal came in the 57th minute, when Kane headed home a corner from Lewis Hall from the back post.
Kane’s performance was not only about the goals; he also set up the third goal, ensuring a comprehensive victory for England. The 33-year-old’s achievement of equaling Peter Shilton’s national appearance record was celebrated by the team and fans alike.
Both managers expressed satisfaction with their teams’ performances. Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s coach, praised his players for their resilience, while Tuchel highlighted the team’s focus and fluidity in the face of a challenging schedule.
The victories for Spain and England in the Nations League continue to showcase their strength and form in international football.
I would spend the entire press conference thanking my players.
Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s coach
I think we played a very good match, very fluid and, to put it into context, it’s the fourth match in 11 or 12 days, and I think we dominated through the whole match.
Thomas Tuchel, England’s manager
